"If you are a persistent change maker, change can happen!"

Running 76, Bihari Krishna Shrestha, still has the zeal of a youth, and curiosity of a child. After spending three decades of his life working for the government, he is familiar to the system inside out and speaking of it with utter disgust he pin points exactly where things are going wrong and also gives some insightful suggestions on what actually should be done. This week L&T brings you a heartwarming conversation with the mild-mannered and soft-spoken sociologist.

Kathmandu is
My birthplace. God made this city with so much love. I feel fortunate that I was born here and not anywhere else.

How long have you been living in Kathmandu and what is your fondest memory of the place?
I was born here and have been living here forever. However, as a policy planner for the government, I spent most of my time outside of this city. My fondest memories are linked to the hard work and labor that I did in the rural areas of Nepal and the efforts that have turned out into achievements.

What do you miss the most about Kathmandu when you are travelling?
Definitely, amenities. When travelling around Nepalese villages, I count the days of my return. The food is not as same as in Kathmandu and there are a lot of physical inconveniences to deal with.

What advice would you give a tourist visiting this city?
I am pretty sure tourists just don’t come to visit Kathmandu. They come for the adventure that Nepal has to offer, and many get mesmerized by the scenic views and the thrills that it has to offer. But I suggest that getting involved with the communities here and understanding the local life is a must. The sense of belonging that you receive is much more thrilling than any adventurous sports that you have planned to undertake.

Which part of Kathmandu truly represents the spirit of the city and why?
All the Durbar Squares: the welcoming Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar Square that represents the true essence of the valley with its amalgamation of both past and present. Also with so many people constantly present around that area, it feels like a mother’s lap. Then there is Bhaktapur Durbar Square—behind that grandeur, there is an equally massive history.

If you were to change one thing about Kathmandu, what would it be and why?
Industrial sector of Kathmandu should be transferred to other cities. Since this city has become the centre of industrialization, it tends to attract all the population of the country. The city is getting suffocating and overcrowded by the minute.

Where would one be likely to find you in Kathmandu?
I do all my work from home. So, home is where you will find me.

Which places in Kathmandu do you visit often?
I find it very unfortunate that the only places I get to visit most often in Kathmandu are hotels (laughs).

Do you think the concerned bodies have taken necessary steps for heritage conservation?
No, not as much as what is actually needed. There are too many heritages in Kathmandu, every stone; every pillar is a part of the heritage. However, they are paid very less attention. Measures can be taken. Conservation is possible, but the institutions don’t have a strong hold. People have the tendency of a kleptomaniac; they want to steal the money meant for the heritages, because of which the entire process of preservation is lagging behind.

How do you think Kathmandu’s traffic can be managed?
I see the government taking some futile actions for traffic management. They are breaking down houses, in order to expand the streets, but that is only going to make a marginal difference. The solution is decentralization. We only have so much space to occupy certain number of population. The measures being taken now may give some relief for the moment, but the city will continue to be overcrowded.

If not in Kathmandu where would you be?
Pokhara. Its natural glamour is absolutely fantastic.

How do you escape the regular Kathmandu grind?
By living at Chakupat; at home.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Actually there are two. One, the problem of our world cannot be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by obvious realities. We need women and men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not, by George Bernard Shaw. And secondly, to try and fail is at least to learn but, to fail to try is to suffer the inestimable loss of what might have been, by Chester I. Barnard.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a hardworking and sincere professional who was honest and committed to his profession.

Is it true that you donated 50 lakhs for the Social Science Baha? Why?
Yes, I did. But I never wanted to make a big fuss out of it. I didn’t ask for the Baha to be named after me, but they insisted on it. I could have easily chosen not to give 50 lakhs or any sum of money but I did, because I wanted others with more wealth than I have, to feel a moral pressure. The sum has attracted a lot of attention but my hope is that it has encouraged someone, somewhere to act similarly.